Alonso was then sent to hospital for what a Ferrari spokesman referred to as a "normal precautionary check requested by (governing body) the FIA."

The 32-year-old conducted media interviews after the race in Abu Dhabi before going to hospital.

He said at the time his back was was "obviously a little bit painful because it was a big hit."

He added: "Hopefully I am OK for Austin."

The incident happened as Alonso left the pits following his final stop on lap 44 of the race.

The pit exit feeds into the 155mph Turn Three. Alonso came out alongside Vergne and had to take avoiding action as the Frenchman moved over using the full width of the track. Vergne admitted he had not seen the Ferrari.

Despite being launched over the kerbs, Alonso passed Vergne while running off the track but was cleared of wrongdoing by race officials, who accepted that he had no choice but to run wide as Vergne had left him no room.

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